AT the risk of making all those in marathon training feel inadequate, this week I took some advice from a Deca Ultra triathlete.

(Yes, that is 10 IronMan triathlons in 10 days.) But Dave Clamp is also a personal trainer, currently working on securing one client a sub three-hour marathon.

For a man whose headline event includes racing for nearly 123 hours, he warns against becoming an ‘expert plodder’.

“Do not neglect trying to run fast in your training,” he said. “Everybody goes on about the distance, but you can make yourself into an expert plodder.

“You can do plenty of long runs with that one focus, but it gets a bit boring. Do speed stuff and hill reps.

“Get somebody else on board, training with someone helps. You could do five hill reps together that you may never have done on your own.

“You never hear somebody say ‘I wish I hadn’t done that session’ – keep telling yourself that if you’re struggling for motivation.”

Clamp suggests researching the route you will be running come race day.

“Simulate the profile of the race,” he added. “If there’s a big hill at 13 miles then find a route that has a similar climb at a similar point.”

While speed is important, Warrington Athletics Club’s former England representative Andrew Green says this must be complemented with distance sessions.

“If you have to concentrate on one thing at this stage you should build up your long, slow running to three hours and beyond,” he said. “Even if you walk/jog, you have to get your body used to being on tired legs for a long time.”

That requires suitable footwear.

Experienced Thelwall triathlete John Walsh explained: “Selecting new running shoes is a key decision for any runner.

“Most specialist shops offer gait analysis in store, so you can understand your requirements before you buy your shoe.

“If you are new to running don’t rule out a brand because you may not have heard of it as these are often the better shoes.

“Find a shoe that sits within your budget and is appropriate for the distance you are looking at training for. Complement any in-store advice with online reviews.

“If you decide to buy online be careful with sizes as they often vary between manufacturers.

“Don’t scrimp, your trainers could last you a full season and help you travel 26.2miles safely.”